A diode is a two-terminal electronic component that conducts electric current in only one direction. Diodes are used in a wide variety of electronic applications, such as rectifying AC current, protecting circuits from overvoltage, and generating light. There are many different types of diodes, each with its own unique characteristics and applications.
The most common type of diode is the p-n junction diode. P-n junction diodes are made from a semiconductor material, such as silicon or germanium. The semiconductor material is doped with impurities to create a region of positive charge (the p-region) and a region of negative charge (the n-region). When a voltage is applied to the diode, current will flow from the p-region to the n-region. However, current will not flow in the opposite direction.
